Pages

Friday, April 29, 2016

**This blog is part of a sustainability series written by student
members of the BSOS Sustainability Task Force. To find out more about
the task force, click here.**

__________________________________________________

Written by: Aaron Aber

Metering is the process of measuring the amount of electrical energy being consumed by a residence, business, or electronic device. Most buildings at UMD are measured for electricity and steam consumption. The campus metering system collects data every 15 minutes for electricity use and for steam consumption every hour. Many campuses have and still operate on one or a few meters because of the high purchase price and installation costs of energy-efficient sub- meters. Some campuses have switched to sub-metering, which enhances energy monitoring capability and isolates opportunities for reducing energy use.

We set out to understand how UMD monitors its energy consumption. Finding an answer to whether buildings are individually metered was no easy task. However, after emails, phone calls, and a long walk to the Chesapeake Building, we discovered more about UMD’s efforts to track energy use than we could have imagined. After speaking with Mr. Chauncey Jenkins in Facilities Management, weI discovered that, in fact, UMD has taken steps to make its energy use data more transparent. Facilities Management is unveiling a new website, linked later in this article, that will allow students to track energy use over time of any building on campus. It tabulates that energy use, allows for building comparisons, and even provides square footage to allow for more individualized office calculations.

This is not all that UMD is doing to ensure sustainability. According to Mr. Jenkins, the renovations currently taking place on HJ Patterson Hall will include sensors on individual circuits to allow for monitoring of individual electronic use. Jenkins says he hopes that the sensors will encourage behavioral changes, and that, if successful, they can be implemented in more locations on campus.

UMD has published http://terpfootprints.umd.edu/campus, which is an easy-to-use website that offers the Energy Use Intensity (EUI) for each building on campus. The site uses Google Maps integration to allow users to toggle map layers (classrooms, labs, residential, offices and other) to specifically see how efficiently each building uses energy in relation to its size. If users are unsure of a building name or where to find it on campus, the integration also has a satellite function that allows them to see an aerial view of the buildings. The website also has charts that display UMD’s total use of electricity, water, steam, and chilled water by month in comparison to respective months last year. At the top of the screen, there is a corner that shows daily, monthly, and annual data for each building on campus. This application facilitates discovering trends in the data, making it easy for anyone to see how the University’s energy and water usage is changing over time.

These efforts to learn about meeting have important implications for sustainability on campus. Wasted energy is unsustainable because it costs money and adds greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. However, individual behaviors can help to combat this problem. Small steps can accumulate into leaps forward when actions become habits. These small steps include: utilizing natural light when it is available, switching lights off when they are not in use, unplugging chargers when they are not charging appliances, and using energy star-rated items. Students and faculty could also lobby the University Senate to make policies that incentivize these best management practices, or they could lobby decision makers in the Maryland General Assembly to incentivize the campus into acting more sustainably.

The University of Maryland consumes a lot of energy because of its large population and its more than 300 facilities on 1,250 acres, including many energy-intensive research labs. Natural gas is the campus’s main source of electricity and steam, which intensifies our dependence on fossil fuels. However, the campus plans to become carbon neutral and is taking steps to reach this goal. By 2020, UMD plans to only buy electricity from regional power plants using renewable energy, including wind, solar and thermal. The University will install more than 9,000 solar panels on campus, which will help decrease dependence on fossil fuels. Moreover, the campus will upgrade energy efficiency of existing buildings, which will decrease total energy use by 20%. New buildings will be designed with high energy efficiency and only use renewable energy.

UMD has also installed over 200 occupancy sensors in general purpose classrooms across campus, helping to minimize lighting levels when not in. From the twenty four buildings completed to date, hallway lighting retrofits average a 73 percent reduction in watts per square foot and a 3 year payback. Annual savings equal $164,000. There are twenty four remaining academic buildings eligible for retrofits.Since 2008, Facilities Management has retrofitted hallway lighting in 24 buildings across campus. The program consists of replacing T8 fixtures with more energy efficient dimmable T5 fixtures while reducing the total number of fixtures in each hallway. These efforts, as well, tie to metering by allowing energy use to be more targeted and more efficient.

These changes in energy coming to campus may seem beyond the reach and scope of students. However, Mr. Jenkins of Facilities Management offered a simple solution for students to help UMD track and reduce its energy consumption. He challenged students to participate in retuning, or looking in their daily lives for inefficiencies in buildings that need fixing. Jenkins suggests that this access to information and efforts to change behavior will help the campus reduce its energy footprint, perhaps just as much as the campus’s lofty efforts to transition to renewables. IF you have ever seen missing insulation or wondered how much energy is wasted when the lights in the offices in Susquehanna are left on all weekend, then you can participate in retuning. You can also track the energy use of your dorm or classroom buildings at http://terpfootprints.umd.edu/campus.

Thursday, April 28, 2016

DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Urban Garden Diision is seeking an Urban Agriculture Research Assistant Intern to facilitate, analyze, and help improve a variety of DPR urban garden programs.

The responsibilities of this position are to analyze and record best practices and weaknesses in DPR Urban Garden Programs and other urban garden programs; research new solutions to improve best practices and weaknesses; help implement DPR programs including building and fixing compost bins, training compost cooperatives, organizing and managing the garden tool share, organizing greenhouse cooperative, help organize and manange the new DC Urban Garden Network including the monthly garden newsletter; organize and teach garden classes; helping facilitate the new DC Sustainable Food Recovery Working Group and helping facilitate the DUG Network (Cooperative based garden and food security online network.

Qualifications

Ability to work with a variety of peopleFamiliar with MicroSoft Office Suite and social mediaFamiliar with DC neighborhoods

The Communications Intern, in conjunction with DPR's Director of Communications, is responsible for a variety of marketing and communications activities, including writing and publishing website content and creating other digital media content for email and social media marketing. The position will also provide the candidate an opportunity to be integrlly involved in a variety of apects relating to a redesigned for DPR's website. The primary functions of this position may include but are not limited to the following:

Assist DPR's Director of Communications and DPR's Program Coordinator with digital content creation and strategy, including email marketing, social media and search engine optimization.Write blog posts and other stories to promote conservation and environmental education success storiesReview, and share as appropriate, daily traditional and social media clip reportsExperience writing news releasesFamiliarity and facility with the internet, electronic media mainstream social media platforms, including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter and InstagramExperience in editing and laying out company newsletter and event announcementsExperience providing administrative aid for various projects related to marketing and eventsOther duties as assigned

Qualifications

Sound knowledge of marketing principlesCreative and comfortable with both taking initiative and working in collaborationDetail oriented with strong written and verbal communication skillsEffective organizational and project management skillsProficiency with MicroSoft Office Suite, database programs and basic photo-editing software. Experience with Photoshop and InDesign is a plus.

Publish What You Pay (PWYP) is a global network of civil society organizations united in their call for an open and accountable extractive sector, so that oil, gas and mining revenues improve the lives of women, men and youth in resource-rich countries. The U.S. coalition consists of 40 faith-based, humanitarian, anti-corruption and tax-justice groups. PWYP-US is housed in the offices of Oxfam America in Washington, DC.

There is a rolling deadline for this internship, but we are looking to fill the position as soon as possible. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume. This is a paid internship opportunity.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assist with research projects focusing on corruption in the oil, gas and mining sector, or other related issues

Utilize open data and data visualization to conduct analysis of extractives information

Develop traning modules to instruct activists on how to use open data

Seek out, attend and report back on relevant DC events such as Congressional hearings, policy discussions or symposiums

Administrative duties such as note-taking, updating the website or other tasks as needed

EXPECTATIONS FOR THE POSITION:

a significant background in areas such as: data analysis, computer science and coding, or economics and statistics

fluency in mapping or data visualization (mapbox, d3, etc)

strong analytical, research and writing skills

an interest in and familiarity with data analysis and research

a willingness to contribute where necessary to achieve the objectives of PWYP-US

Social Impact (SI) is a Washington, DC-area international development management consulting firm. SI’s mission is to improve the effectiveness of international development programs. We provide a full range of management consulting, technical assistance, and training services to strengthen international development programs, organizations, and policies. We provide services globally in the areas of monitoring and evaluation, strategic planning, project and program design, organizational capacity building, and gender and social analysis. SI services cross-cut all development sectors including democracy and governance, food security, health and education, the environment, and economic growth. SI’s clients include US government agencies such as USAID, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the US Department of State, bilateral donors, multilateral development banks, foundations, and non-profits.

Project Objective:

Feed the Future (FTF), the U.S. government’s global hunger and food security initiative, focuses on sustainably reducing hunger and poverty worldwide. USAID’s Bureau for Food Security (BFS) leads the FTF initiative for the U.S. Government. Through the provision of world-class technical experts The Bureau for Food Security Service Center (FSSC) helps BFS move the President’s agenda forward by providing needed technical assistance to USAID Missions, USAID/Washington, USG operating units, and host country counterparts. FSSC provides short- and medium-term expertise for state-of-the-art food security support services and analyses; capacity building; and integration of cross-cutting issues that are critical to the success of FTF, and also provides a mechanism for bridge programming and pilot innovations.

As prime contractor for the FSSC, SI seeks a short-term Program Analyst with 3+ years’ of communications, public relations, agriculture and/or project management experience. The consultant should be knowledgeable in writing, editing, and program management, with a clear understanding of intergovernmental processes and procedures and experience coordinating and completing successful correspondence projects within them. This person will manage correspondence services including briefing documents, speeches, talking points, for the Bureau for Food security with a mission that affects a wide range of technical areas supporting global food security, including in other USAID operating units, Federal agencies, a large segment of the public, and the business and academic communities.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Agriculture, English, Communications, Business Administration, Public Administration, Political Science, Economics, International Relations, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field .

One to three years of communications, public relations, agriculture and/or project management experience

The Center for Global Development, an independent, non-profit policy research organization in Washington, DC seeks a Research Assistant to provide research and organizational support to two senior researchers.

General Responsibilities:

Conduct literature reviews and data compilation and analysis for ongoing and frequently-evolving research projects. Potential areas of focus include political economy of oil-dependent countries, electricity markets, multilateral development banks, private investment, Sub-Saharan Africa, G20, and US development policy.

MCID Washington, a nonprofit organization that designs and facilitates international exchange programs, is seeking to fill a full time program coordinator position. The candidate must possess strong writing and organizational skills, a positive, can-do attitude, and an ability to multi-task and work with little supervision. In addition to numerous administrative responsibilities, the selected candidate will assist in devising project proposals and creating program itineraries for international visitors. Some of the administrative duties include: preparing monthly reports and project budgets; processing check requests and reimbursements; coordinating hotels; and maintaining social media accounts.

The successful candidate will be proactive, have strong communication and interpersonal skills, excellent computer and organizational skills, and an ability to work within a team environment. Interest in multicultural programs and international relations a must.

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

The National Park Service (NPS) Office of Partnerships and Philanthropic Stewardship (Partnership Office) is searching for an undergraduate or graduate student who is interested in an opportunity to participate in partnership and philanthropy policy research, re-visioning, and outreach while gaining hands-on learning and leadership experience.

The NPS strives to encourage greater citizen engagement in national park programs and activities by collaborating with educational institutions, organizations, businesses, and federal, state, tribal and local agencies. The Partnership Office helps the NPS and its partners create, enhance, and recognize their collaborative work through training, communication, and policy leadership.

Responsibilities Include:

Provide research, administrative, and analytical support for employees engaged in the re-visioning and rewriting of National Park Service policy documents related to fundraising, donations, and intellectual property.

Strategize and outline a plan and methods to communicate policy changes to a wide range of stakeholders, including governmental and non-governmental employees and partners. Duties may include creating visual products to communicate the progress, goals, and outcomes of policy re-visioning work, including PowerPoint presentations and posters.

Conduct research on applicable laws, regulations and policies related to partnerships and philanthropy.

Conduct research and provide assistance in the development of new programmatic practices and policies to align with NPS goals pertaining to cause related marketing, co-branding, and brand alignment between the NPS and corporate and non-profit entities.

Vet potential and current donors – both corporate and nonprofit organizations, using research gathered from online library databases and government databases.

Assistwith corporate partnership projects related to the NPS Centennial Anniversary. Work with the Partnership Office, Centennial Office and National Park Foundation on corporate partnership activations as they relate to the Centennial.

Qualifications

This internship is designed for current undergraduate or graduate students who have a strong interest in, or are seeking a degree in, government and politics, public policy, policy research and development, public-private partnerships, or related areas.

This position requires,

·Knowledge or experience in marketing and partnership and philanthropic policy.

·Strong communication skills; oral and written.

·Skills in policy research, analysis, and formulation.

·Ability to express findings in well researched documents, white papers, and briefings.

·Experience using online library databases to conduct research on various companies and nonprofit organizations.

Candidates should possess excellent organizational and interpersonal skills; have strong attention to detail, and an ability to prioritize and complete multiple assignments.

The Partnership Office is located in the NPS Washington Support Office at 1201 I Street NW, Washington DC 20005. The two closest metro stations are Metro Center and McPherson. Bus transportation is also conveniently located in close proximity to the office.

This part time (16-20 hours per week maximum) internship will run from the end of May (or sooner if available for an earlier start date) to the end of the summer, with a possibility to extend through the fall semester. Interns will be paid $14.00 per hour.

Application Procedures

To apply, please submit an electronic cover letter, resume, and professional and/or educational references, and a one-page writing sample to Kathryn Hopps, Program Director for Experiential Learning, at khopps@umd.edu.

For additional information about this position, please phone or email Jackie Dostourian, NPS Washington Partnership Office, at 202-354-2182 or Jackie_Dostourian@nps.gov.

EA's photo contest is open for voting! Check out the amazing snapshots of our #TerpsAbroad all over the globe and help us select our winners by voting on facebook for your favorite photos in each category. Here's how:

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

We invite students, faculty, and staff to join in celebrating our undergraduates’ remarkable and varied research accomplishments at the annual Undergraduate Research Day (URD) poster presentation this coming WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, between 1:45 and 3:45 pm, in the Grand Ballroom of the STAMP Student Union. We will have nearly 200 posters and over 600 presenters.

URD is Maryland’s largest, most visible, and most diversified showcase for undergraduate research accomplishments – come and learn from hundreds of team and individual presenters!UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH DAYWhere: Grand Ballroom, STAMP Student UnionWhen: Wednesday, April 27, 2016 from 1:45 pm to 3:45 pmWe look forward to seeing you there!

Howard University is a comprehensive, research-oriented, historically Black private university providing an educational experience of exceptional quality to students of high academic potential with particular emphasis upon the provision of educational opportunities to promising Black students. Further, the University is dedicated to attracting and sustaining a cadre of faculty who are, through their teaching and research, committed to the development of distinguished and compassionate graduates and to the quest for solutions to human and social problems in the United States and throughout the world.

BASIC FUNCTION:The purpose of this position is to provide confidential and executive level administrative support to the Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences (COAS).

SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY:

Responsible for orienting and training others, assigning and

reviewing their work; acting in a lead or senior capacity over other positions performing essentially the same work or related technical tasks and reporting to the Dean on a formal basis.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Internal contacts include the COAS senior leadership team, department chairs, and other staff within the college and university. External contacts include a very wide variety University executives and representatives from other higher education institutions and public and private sector organizations.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Directs the preparation of administrative and financial reports; analyzes and interprets information; makes and implements decisions; compiles and analyzes data and prepares special and operating budgets.

Develops an administrative structure for academic advising within the college; plans, schedules, allocates and prioritizes workload to meet operating requirements.

Analyzes and controls administrative and operational functions; reviews policies and procedures systems for efficiency; implements appropriate changes and system improvements.

Establishes, monitors and ensures adherence to quality and quantity

standards; Initiates or coordinates the preparation of reports and maintenance of records pertaining to the operation of the work unit.

Interprets and implements university and outside agency rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Reviews and approves operational documents, including those related to academic advising and academic programs within the college.

Responds to management and public requests for information and resolves politically sensitive issues.

Represents the college at meetings.

Supervises, monitors or coordinates the activities of subordinates, including academic advisors.

Supervise the scheduling of appointments, meetings and conferences for the dean.

Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Ability to exercise discretion and ensure a high-level of confidentiality for the Office of the Dean

Outstanding oral and written communications skills for a professional office setting.

Ability to problem solve and make decisions with limited direction.

Knowledge of administrative principles and practices in higher education institutions.

Knowledge of academic advising principles and procedures.

Knowledge of accounting and budgeting procedures and techniques. Knowledge of supervisory practices and principles.

Skill in planning, analyzing, coordinating activities and establishing priorities for an administrative unit and for an academic advising office.

Knowledge and skill in accounting and budgeting procedures and techniques.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with a diverse population.

Establish and maintain effective harmonious work relations with faculty, staff, students and the general public; a professional ability to work effectively with people from a variety of culturally diverse backgrounds.

REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree in related area and 1-3 years of administrative experience in a higher education academic unit. 8 years of related work experience may be substituted in lieu of educational qualifications.

BASIC FUNCTION: The purpose of this position is to provide comprehensive academic advice and support services to first and second year undergraduates.SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:Involves no responsibility or authority for the direction of others.NATURE AND SCOPE: Internal contacts may include senior administrators, faculty, students and staff. External contacts may include parents, consultants, and the general public. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES: Provide comprehensive academic advisement to first and second-year students.Advise students on university wide requirements and general education courses. Help student though petition and reinstatement processes.Provide course selection, and registration assistance to advisees.Review student skills, abilities and previous academic performances as part of program planning and pre-registration advising for new and continuing students.Teach the new student orientation course.Assist students to select appropriate educational goals, and implement corrective measure to alleviate any deficiencies.Maintain current knowledge of courses/majors offered, prerequisites, general education and graduation requirements, university procedures, rules and regulations, and other student services.Maintain regular contact with students and monitor each student's academic performance and progress. Keep detailed and current records on each student. Utilize computer technology to maintain detailed and current records on each assigned student including a program of study outline, general education evaluation, referrals and test scores to stay current on students' academic progress.Participate in New Student Orientations for freshmen and transfer students; explain General Education requirements and assist students with course planning and registration.Assist and participate in the development of support services, policies, and procedures, which enhance student retention and success.Propose special activities to enhance the personal, educational, or cultural development of students. Develop and modify, as appropriate, forms and informational flyers and letters.Assist and participate in the formulation and implementation of organizational goals and objectives. Collect retention-related student data for the annual evaluation. Participate in regular department meetings. Collect statistics on students advised and monitor assessment guidelines.Participate in appropriate personal and professional development activities and perform other duties or projects as assigned. CORE COMPETENCIES: Ability to rapidly acquire such knowledge of the organization, procedures, specific objectives, activities, basic principles, practices and major trends of academic advising its relationship to retention and student success.Ability to present clear and concise ideas, recommendations, and information orally and in written reports.Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with CAE leadership and staff, faculty, administrators, student organizations and other internal and external stakeholders.Proficiency with Blackboard, Banner, and related Student Information Systems.MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s Degree required and relevant 1-3 years of successful experience with undergraduate students in academic or student affairs in a university setting.PREFERRED REQUIREMENTSMaster’s degree and 3–5 years successful experience with undergraduate students in academic or student affairs in a university setting. Teaching ExperienceNote: This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required. The university has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description is not be construed as a contract for employment.Apply here.

NLC is a nonprofit national membership organization acting as a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages representing more than 218 million Americans. NLC is dedicated to helping city leaders build better communities, improve services, and develop innovative approaches to meeting contemporary urban challenges. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., NLC’s 85 full-time staff work in a dynamic and collegial professional team environment.

NLC University, a professional development program for elected and appointed city leaders, is seeking an undergraduate student to fill the Education and Trainings Intern position for the summer of 2016. The duration of the internship will be from May to August.

This internship will provide the selected individual with the opportunity to assist in the planning of educational trainings at the organization’s national conferences as well as help with the development of content for the program’s next set of online courses. This internship will also allow the selected individual to work directly with municipal decision-makers and staff.

Primary Responsibilities:• Help develop ongoing education and training sessions for municipal elected officials and city staff nationwide.• Write articles and blog posts for national distribution.• Assist in developing and implementing a comprehensive marketing strategy for upcoming conferences.• Assist in NLC University website and database administration, ensuring data and content accuracy.• Provide member service and administrative support.• Provide project support for NLC University team as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Candidates must be currently enrolled in an accredited university and be in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree• Proficiency with Word and Excel• Willingness and ability to learn software programs• High degree of personal organization and attention to detail• Professional experience in delivering quality customer service is a must

DESCRIPTIONWant to make a difference after you graduate? One-year fellowship positions are available in Direct Services, Community Outreach and Management. These fellowships are a great opportunity for recent graduates to learn more about poverty while gaining experience working for a nonprofit organization. Fellows will report to a committee of three leaders and will participate in a three-hour poverty education workshop each quarter. Fellowships involve a year-long project in which you will design an innovative outreach program.QUALIFICATIONSFellowships are available to those who have completed their Bachelor's degree within the last two years (2014-2016) or those who have received a graduate degree within the past year (2015 or 2016).Learn more and apply at Careers4Terps.

DESCRIPTIONThe Analyst Institute runs field experiments to help progressive change­makers figure out what really works in politics and social justice organizing. Here are some of the reasons why you might want to become a part of our team:-Solve some of the hardest problems in analytics. We conduct cutting-edge research, which means that we are constantly solving new problems. If you’re excited by the thought of testing new technologies or estimation strategies, this is the position for you.-Learn lots and quickly. This role will both broaden and deepen your existing skillset. Whether you’d like to grow as an analyst, a manager, an engineer, or an academic, there will always be something new to learn.-Have impact. From racial justice to labor to the environment to LGBT rights to electoral campaigns and everything in between, you’ll be answering key tactical and strategic questions across the progressive movement.Your RoleThe Analytics team is at the heart of the Analyst Institute's work. You'll be part of a close-knit and capable team, working to apply your love of data and politics to some of the biggest campaigns and elections in the world. Your co-workers and partners will be among the best in the business, and you will use your skills to help progressive organizations answer some of their most pressing tactical and strategic questions. You will also have the opportunity to present your work to our partners and/or the larger community.As a member of the Analytics team, you can expect to be involved in AI's many fields of research:-You'll prepare and analyze experiments with a direct impact on the success of campaigns.-You'll work with nearly 10 years of past experimental results to draw broad lessons for the progressive community, and help communicate the results to decision makers.-You’ll build the tools and software to make our work faster, cheaper, and better.If you're passionate about data, statistics, and technology, and if you believe political activism can make change for the better, we want to work with you.QUALIFICATIONSRequirements-You quickly pick up new skills with minimal guidance-You are organized, capable of juggling complex projects with fast deadlines-You have worked with data and statistics in a non-classroom setting (e.g., academic research, professional experience) using either R (preferred) or Python-You are familiar with the concepts behind experimental design and causal inference-You are passionate about progressive politicsIf you have any of the following skills, please let us know, but they are not required for the position.-You are familiar with survey methodology and polling-You are familiar with predictive analytics and machine learning techniques-You are comfortable with SQL-You have used Git beforeLearn more and apply at Careers4Terps.

DESCRIPTIONThe Ameson Education & Cultural Exchange Foundation is seeking interns who wish to gain experience in the non-profit sector, developing international programs that promote global understanding during the summer of 2016. Interns will work in the Ameson Foundation’s Washington, D.C. office, located in the Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center on Pennsylvania Avenue. The office is conveniently located near Metro Center and Federal Triangle metro stations, just blocks from the White House.Interns will be paired with a project leader who will work with them to design a plan that will further the mission of the Ameson Foundation while providing valuable hands-on experience in an area relevant to each intern’s future career goals. We currently only offer unpaid positions. Dates:We are currently accepting applications for the summer of 2016 (May-August). Applicants should be prepared to commit to a minimum of 20/hrs. per week over a period of at least six weeks. If you have any questions regarding the dates of an internship with us, please do not hesitate to contact us at internships-dc@ameson.orgCurrent Projects Include:•Development / Capacity Building•Press Event Management•Office Administration•Writing / Reporting•Graphic Design•Social Media / Online Content CreationQUALIFICATIONS•Friendly•Organized•Thinks critically•Works well with team•Maintains focus on team objectivesAn exceptional command of written English and understanding of trends is a must for social media projects, and all applicants must possess strong organizational skills. Applicants should be able to show initiative and develop new and creative ways to solve problems encountered while working on a project.Learn more and apply at Careers4Terps.

**This blog is part of a sustainability series written by student
members of the BSOS Sustainability Task Force. To find out more about
the task force, click here.**

__________________________________________________

Written by: Ben Shapiro

The UMD Dining halls have a rich history over the years of feeding students and faculty, often being at the core of the social experience of the university. The dining halls have a duty to provide a wide array of healthy and delicious food options that young students can feel happy to eat.

Back in in the 70s the South dining hall erupted into a riot/ epic food fight, where students were fed up with the quality of the food and decided to take aggressive action. South dining hall was ground zero for a generation of outspoken young adults. In an interview with Ron Schwartz for UMD’s Unwind Magazine, he said ”We completely destroyed the cafeteria within the blink of an eye, and then we all cleared out,” and that “They never got the pudding off the ceiling!”

Back in 2011, 251 North dining hall opened making it third on campus, providing an all you care to eat experience for north campus diners. This was the central grounding place for the new expansion of Denton quad and the new Oakland Hall. Now both South and north campus dining halls will follow suit, foregoing the ala carte style to a pay to enter method. The hope is that students will opt to dine in fostering more community and student interaction. This will help to eliminate the need for carry-out containers and pursue the continuing goal of reducing waste. Green Dining Coordinator has this to say about this upcoming policy shift.

“We are very proud of the Green Dining Program and all we've been able to accomplish, with the help of UMD's students, over the past 4 years. Since we launched our Sustainable Food Commitment in 2012, we have met our goal of 20% sustainable food sourcing - ahead of schedule! We are also thrilled about the support and engagement across campus for programs such as Terp Farm, the Farmers Market at Maryland, and the Campus Pantry. We are looking forward to the launch of the Anytime Dining Program in the dining halls in the Fall 2016, which will eliminate 6.3 million disposable items from the waste stream each year. Another great step for sustainability in Dining Services. “-Allison Gail Lilly 2016

The most compelling argument for the new system is how it will, as a result of eliminating the carryout option, dramatically reduce the amount of waste created by the dining halls. Currently we have two reusable containers the Ozzi box and the Freefill cup, both have gained much success at time. However the Ozzi Box was not appealing enough for the majority of students and come this fall, will be eliminated as an option. In fall 2013, students used between 3,000 and 3,600 OZZI reusable containers a week — a number that’s grown every semester since the box’s debut in fall 2011, when Dining Services officials ordered 1,000 containers. But that barely puts a dent in the roughly 1 million disposable white containers students use every year, said Allison Lilly, Dining Services sustainability and wellness coordinator.

The Future of Green dining extends beyond the use of OZZI boxes, however. Colleges around the country have provided models for how UMD could use this reorganization of its dining plans to also introduce students to healthier food options. UMD’s own Green Dining website expands the definition to include sustainable sources of food (like Terp Farm and the “Sustainable Seafood” program) and sustainable disposal of food (like composting). However, one way we could improve our green dining is through an increase in locally grown food. For example, The University of Massachusetts Amherst might offer a blueprint for that. They have instituted processes such as freezing individual pieces of produce, butchering meat from a local farmer on-campus, and using less-common species of fish, undoubtedly to avoid overharvesting. Steps taken by other colleges include online services for ordering local food (at Denison College in Ohio), the conversion of frying oil into biodiesel, and the careful tracking of prepackaged food to ensure it is purchased (both by Washington University in St. Louis).

Efforts set forth by Green Dining show two things: first, that green dining is not just about the packaging, and second, that even small actions can have a large impact on sustainability in the food supply chain. The dining experience weather good or bad at UMD wields great power in curating the student experience.

Narrative:

As a UMD student, dining options are quite limited, there are three major options and each one has its own drawback : bring your own food, going into dining halls and eating at different cafes.

Bringing your own food is probably the most economic efficient choice. However students living on campus do not have access to grocery store within walking distance. Eating at dining halls is not ideal either. The North Campus diner is too far away from most of classrooms so people usually do not walk back to there for lunch. This choice makes the south diner always packs with people around lunch time even dinner time. People dining here stare at their laptop screens or scroll through their phones. Not exactly an ideal dining experience. Then, students are only left with shops at Stamp and other cafes scattered in different academic buildings. Stamp is usually crowded around lunch time as well, but at least the food there is reasonably priced. In small cafes, students can only get overpriced sandwiches and pastas.

This is the reality of dining on campus. Hopefully the dining system is changing for the better.